Flashback: Five best knocks of IPL VI

Raina's 53-ball 100 helped Chennai edge past Punjab

With just two days left, fans are gearing up for the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League, the first leg of which will be played in the United Arab Emirates owing to the ongoing general elections.

The six-week extravaganza has year-after-year witnessed many individual performances that deserve special mention.

Even as we get set for the seventh edition, starting Wednesday, here's a flashback at the five best efforts with the bat in last year's edition.

Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina was the most consistent batsman in all the previous editions of the IPL.

Last season was no different. The 26-year-old totaled 548 runs in 18 matches to finish as the fourth-highest run scorer.

Among his efforts, the one which stood out was the unbeaten hundred against Kings XI Punjab at Chepauk.

The 53-ball effort was inclusive of seven boundaries and six sixes and ensured Chennai a 15-run win.

Watson was the key to Rajasthan's fortunes

If there was one player who played the most significant role in Rajasthan Royals making it to the play-offs, and, subsequently, securing a Champions League berth, it was Shane Watson.

The 31-year-old totaled 543 runs, in 16 matches, to finish the fifth-highest scorer.

His best effort albeit happened to be in a losing cause.

Watson hit a magnificent 101 against Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidamabaram stadium, his 61-ball effort inclusive of six boundaries and an equal number of sixes. It took Rajasthan to a formidable 185 for four.

However, Mike Hussey's 51-ball 88 ensured Chennai won with a ball to spare.

Now that he has been entrusted the responsibility of leading the squad, Watson has to not only come up with a handful of such knocks but also ensure they help his team win.